Collectors Showcase CS00231 Reich Chancellery, Berlin 1938: Reich Chancellery Guard, 2-Guard Set (1:28 Scale)"The German soldier is to be tough as leather, fleet as a greyhound, and hard as Krupp steel."- Adolf Hitler discussing the creation of the new German soldat

In 1938, Hitler assigned his favourite architect Albert Speer to build the new Reich Chancellery, requesting that the building be completed within a year. Near the complex was the underground Fuhrerbunker, where Hitler committed suicide at the end of World War II in 1945. The new Reich Chancellery had the address Vosstrasse 6, and the old Reich Chancellery, located along Wilhelmstrasse, probably had the address Wilhelmstrase 77.

Hitler commissioned Speer to build the Chancellery in late January, 1938, although preliminary planning had begun four years earlier. Hitler commented that the old Chancellery, which dated from Bismarck's time as chancellor in the 1870s, was "fit for a soap company" but was not suitable as headquarters of the German Reich nor him, the soon-to-be "master of the world". Hitler assigned Speer the work of creating grand halls and salons which "will make an impression on people".

Hitler placed the entire Vosstrase at Speer's disposal. Speer was given a blank check - Hitler stated that the cost of the project was immaterial - and was instructed that the building be of solid construction and that it be finished by the following January in time for the next annual diplomatic reception to be held in the new building. In the end it cost over 90 Million Reichsmark, well over one billion dollars today.

Speer claimed in his autobiography that he completed the task of clearing the site, designing, constructing, and furnishing the building in less than a year. In fact, versions of the designs were already being worked on as early as 1935. Over 4,000 workers toiled in shifts, so the work could be accomplished round-the-clock. This immense construction project was finished 48 hours ahead of schedule, and the project earned Speer a reputation as a good organiser, which, combined with Hitler's fondness for Speer played a part in the architect becoming Armaments Minister and a director of forced labour during the war.

Pictured here are a set of 2 guards who were tasked to stand vigil at the gates of the Reich Chancellery in Berlin during 1938. Sold Out!